More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergic diseases. A recent nationwide survey found that more than half (54.6 percent) of all U.S citizens test positive to one or more allergens; among specific allergens, dust mite, rye, ragweed, or cockroach caused sensitization in approximately 25 percent of the population.
This article will provide tips for allergy relief. The information covered below will address the following questions:
1.Why do we develop allergies? 2.What causes allergies? 3.Allergy symptoms 3.Tips to obtain allergy relief 4.Herbs, vitamins & supplements
Most individuals with allergies are not sensitive to just one substance but a host of them. There is an endless list of allergy causing substances present in our food, drinks, the air, and the clothes we wear to name a few examples that can trigger an allergic reaction.
Why do we develop allergies?
The exact cause of allergic reactions is still under debate. Heredity seems to play an important role according to some researchers and being exposed to allergens at certain times when the body's defenses are low or weak, such as after a viral infection or during pregnancy, also may contribute to the development of allergies. Allergies are the immune system's exaggerated response to a foreign substance. Exposure to what is normally a harmless substance, such as pollen, causes the immune system to react as if the substance is harmful. Substances that cause allergies are called allergens.
What causes allergies?
Allergies may be caused by any of the following. NOTE: this is just a partial list; there are countless substances that may cause an allergic reaction. The only way for someone to know whether they're allergic to a particular substance is to get tested by an allergist.
Allergy symptoms can be categorized as mild, moderate or severe (anaphylactic). Mild reactions include local symptoms (affecting a specific area of the body) such as a rash or hives; itchy, watery eyes; and nasal congestion. Mild reactions do not spread to other parts of the body.
Moderate reactions include symptoms that spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms may include itchiness that spreads or difficulty breathing.
A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is a life-threatening emergency in which the body's response to the allergen is sudden and affects the whole body (systemic). Anaphylaxis may begin with severe itching of the eyes or face and within minutes progresses to more serious symptoms including swelling, which could result in difficulty swallowing and breathing; abdominal pain; cramps; vomiting; diarrhea; hives; and angioedema (hives in the throat). Mental confusion or dizziness also may be symptoms, since anaphylaxis causes a quick drop in blood pressure.
Tips to obtain allergy relief
Dust often to control mites - By dusting surfaces and washing bedding often, you can control the amount of dust mites in your home.
Vacuum often - Although cleaning can sometimes trigger allergic reactions, with dust in the air, vacuuming once or twice a week will reduce the surface dust mites. Wear a mask when doing housework and consider leaving for a few hours after you clean to avoid allergens in the air. You can also make sure your vacuum has an air filter to capture dust.
Reduce pet dander - If you have allergies, you should avoid pets with feathers or fur like birds, dogs and cats. Animal saliva and dead skin, or pet dander, can cause allergic reactions.
Avoid pollen - Keep windows and doors closed. Use an air filter and clean it regularly or run the air conditioner and change the filter often.
Avoid mold - Mold spores grow in moist areas. If you reduce the moisture in the bathroom and kitchen, you will reduce the mold. Clean moldy surfaces. Dehumidifiers will also help reduce mold.
Herbs, Vitamins & Supplements
Herbs, vitamins and other supplements can help by boosting the immune system and/or provide allergy relief.
Herbs that may help by boosting the immune system 1. Echinacea 2. Garlic
Vitamins that may help by boosting the immune system 1.Vitamin A 2.Vitamin C - Very effective at fighting allergies. It is a powerful antioxidant. It promotes immune functions and is natural anti-histamine. 3 Vitamin E - It fights allergies. It is a potent intercellular anti-oxidant. 4.Green tea - Contains EGCG, a potent antioxidant more powerful than vitamin C & E
Other supplements (1) Bioflavonoids such as Quercetin work well with Vitamin C as an anti-histamine to tackle allergens.
Obtaining allergy relief involves a 2 pronged attack.
1. Avoid allergy triggers such as the one's mentioned above 2. Boost the immune system by using herbs, vitamins and supplements
If the above don't work than medications such as antihistamines, decongestants or a combination of both are available over-the-counter or by prescription to treat allergy symptoms. Nasal sprays such as topical nasal steroids and cromolyn sodium also can be used to treat allergy symptoms. Immunotherapy and allergy shots are recommended for relief needed over a long period of time.
Obtaining allergy relief through natural means such as taking the herbs and vitamins recommended above is the best route to take without incurring side effects, however, if the allergy is severe and debilitating than prescription or over the counter medications may be needed. PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE., Keep your immune system healthy so chances of developing disease are reduced.
For more information please visit http://www.innervibrance.com/allergy_relief/
To stop smoking is hard, and most smokers cannot quit - and if they do - it is only for a short time. More and more people are getting into the natural way of doing things anymore, and using herbs to stop smoking is a very popular method for smokers today. Those who have been able to quit smoking with using herbs as a preventive, swear by them as a successful aid.
They help in combating the withdrawal symptoms that every smoker faces when he tries to give up smoking. Among other things, the herbal cures lead to positive mood swings and reduce the urge to light another cigarette.
One of the natural substances that can be used by people when they want to quit smoking is Lobelia, or Indian tobacco, an old and controversial herb that has recently become popular to smokers who want to quit the habit and cannot. Used for centuries as an expectorant that cleans the lungs, it was used for asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, or pleurisy.
Many uses are connected with Lobelia - relaxants, antispasmodics, diaphoretics, reducing inflammations and pain, poultices, hyperactivity, easing muscle tension or convulsions - which go back in history until its recent popularity today. Many believe it makes the taste of regular tobacco "repulsive" while other naturalists use it to clam the nerves and relax the body muscles, easing mild depression.
Lately, current evidence suggests the herb Lobelia can produce similar effects on the human body as nicotine, yet is not addictive and helps eliminate the desire to smoke. There is trouble when it is overused, such as vomiting, drowsiness, weak pulse, and respiratory failure.
Another herb is the Mimosa tea ("mimosa hostilis"), a perennial evergreen shrub that is native to northeastern Brazil and also found in southern Mexico. The root bark is the choice part of the plant, traditionally used in the preparation of a psychoactive sacramental beverage.
Giving up smoking may make you feel anxious, or give you a headache but a strong cup of Mimosa tea can boost your mood and help you calm down. It is not addictive and is recommended for use instead of anti-depressant medicines. Similarly, the traditional Chinese CaoSu herb diminishes the desire to smoke.
Smoking non-tobacco cigarettes look like regular cigarettes and are available in many flavors like burnt sienna and menthol. They offer the same sensation while smoking as regular cigarettes but are healthier because they don't contain nicotine or tar. However, you must consult your doctor before taking these or any herbal medicines, because many of them may contain substances similar to drugs.
You must also eat lots of raw or lightly steamed fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of water, fruit juice, herbal tea, etc, to flush out the nicotine. Try taking hot baths, whirlpool baths, and saunas. These make you feel better, and reduce the urge to smoke.
Another way to fight the craving for nicotine is to chew on a large flavored toothpick, or squirt juice into your mouth. Similarly, drinking herbal tea, which is made from five different herbs, can help you to fight the urge to smoke.
Both Mayur Vibhakar & Mike Singh are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mayur Vibhakar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Heart Conditions and Vitamin Guide. Mayur Vibhakar is a health professional and editor of innervibrance.com, a site dedicated to achieving optimalhealth through natural means. Subscribe to the informativehealth articles and receive health improvingtips, natural produ. Mayur Vibhakar's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.
Mike Singh has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Fishing and Dental Insurance. Check out for more articles on. Mike Singh's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.